66 Festive & Famous Chorales for Band: 1st Clarinet Book

Erickson's collection cuts through the noise of generic chorale books by offering genuine variety in harmonic language and cultural sources, not just a parade of the same four tunes recycled. The SATB voicing works beautifully on clarinet, placing the instrument in its most singing register while the flexibility to scale down to small ensembles means you can use this effectively from sectional rehearsals through full band context. Clarinettists develop real musicianship here rather than just playing notes.

Moving through this collection feels like visiting a musical library where each chorale opens a window to a different tradition or era. The arrangement sits comfortably under the fingers and in the ear, allowing you to focus on the phrasing and beauty of the harmonic progressions rather than wrestling with technical demands. There's genuine satisfaction in the clarity of voice movement and the way each part contributes meaningfully to the whole.

First clarinet players in concert bands of all levels will find material here suited to their range and ability, whether you're warming up at the start of rehearsal or building a recital set. Directors working with developing ensembles benefit from having 66 standalone pieces that don't require substantial sectional preparation yet yield immediate results in intonation and voice leading.

• Listen for the harmonic rhythm and where the voices move together versus independently; this awareness prevents rushing through sustained passages and builds phrasing that sounds intentional.
• Match vowel shape and resonance across the section so that unison and octave doublings blend rather than compete; clarinet sections often expose unequal vibrato and air speed immediately in chorales.
• Treat the fermata as a moment to breathe together and listen to the overall balance, not as a license to hold out independently; these brief pauses are where ensemble refinement becomes audible.

Open rehearsal with one or two chorales to establish ensemble focus and intonation before tackling more complex repertoire; this routine pays dividends in overall sound quality. Select thematically linked groups for concert programming during winter or spring pops concerts, or feature contrasting arrangements across a full program to showcase the band's musical range and refinement.

• Balancing individual melodic line with harmonic blend
• Reading and responding to fermatas and phrase endings
• Maintaining steady tempo through sustained harmonic changes
• Listening for and correcting intonation across the clarinet section
• Shaping phrasing in music without complex rhythmic figures